Company History

Lee Liepin and Jack Rott founded L&R Associates, Inc. in 1968. Mr. Liepin’s previous position was a regional sales manager for American Tube and Controls. Lee started a sales representative organization, Lee Liepin Sales Company in 1968 which later became L&R Associates, Inc. and was later incorporated in 1971. Mr. Rott’s previous position was a partner in a local representative firm that represented American Tube and Controls in an adjoining territory. The firm represented American Tube and Controls in Eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Southern New Jersey.

In 1969, L&R Associates, Inc. became the representative for PVI Industries then known as Pressure Vessels Incorporated and has continued to this date as the representative for PVI Industries.

The firm focused its attention on changing the thinking and buying habits of the plumbing, heating, and water well industry with innovative products. At that time, hydronic heating systems utilized plain steel expansion tanks. American Tube and Controls had developed a diaphragm expansion tank that reduced the size of the tank and did away with the common problem of water logging. The same tank design was incorporated into a water well tank and ASME constructed tanks for the Engineering community. PVI Industries had developed ASME direct fired water heaters for commercial applications. The standard design being utilized at that time incorporated the boiler system tied to indirect fired storage tanks. This design was less efficient than the use of direct fired equipment.

The company’s growth required additional salesmen and they were added as needed to cover the new product lines that were acquired. Scott Shelhamer joined the company in October 1977, followed by Ron Pajor in January 1978, and Roger Prevost in 1979.

In 1979, L&R Associates, Inc. became the representative for Midco International (gas burners) and participated in the gas conversion “craze”. During the same year, L&R Associates, Inc. also became the representative for Tjernlund Products, Inc. as the heating industry began endorsing direct venting of heating equipment. The Hot Water Maker was introduced to the market by Amtrol (American Tube and Controls) in 1980. An indirect fired water heater that was coupled to a boiler, this was an innovative product requiring considerable sales “missionary” work.

In 1986, Mr. Liepin and Mr. Rott provided their three salesmen the opportunity to become shareholders of the company.

On June 1, 1987, James Eyrich joined the firm to assist with inside sales and technical support. Jim’s role was later refined to allow him to focus more attention on the Engineering community in the Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware market.

In 1988, Lee Liepin retired from the company followed by Jack Rott in March of 1994. In June of 1994, Scott Shelhamer and Ron Pajor became the sole owners of L&R Associates, Inc.

On January 27, 1997, Mark Creyer joined the firm as an outside salesman.

James Eyrich became a shareholder on May 22, 1998.

Mark Creyer became a shareholder on August 24, 2004.

On December 31, 2008, Scott Shelhamer retired from the company.

Today, L&R Associates, Inc. continues to represent companies that are innovative, providing quality and value to the plumbing and heating industry.

The Principals of L&R Associates, Inc. are proud that the company has been in business for over 40 years. We continue to grow and achieve our corporate goals with the direction of management, and the support and dedication of our employees. We encourage you to support this tradition so we can continue to grow and succeed together.